UTSA McNair Scholar Wins First Place at North Texas Life Science Research Symposium

(Nov. 21, 2012) -- UTSA McNair scholar Miranda Morgan placed first of 46 undergraduate research posters submitted at the North Texas Life Science Research Symposium on Nov. 3 at the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth. The undergraduate senior's research, "The Role of the Neuro-Immune System in Stress-Induced Cognitive Deficits," was completed under the guidance of David Morilak, professor of pharmacology at the UT Health Science Center San Antonio, and supported by her participation in the McNair Scholars program.

The science symposium included three parallel programs for high school, bachelor's and master's students. Participants represented 16 colleges and universities including University of Texas at Arlington, University of Texas at Dallas, Baylor and Texas A&M. Leading scientists judged the participants' posters and gave awards to the top three posters in the undergraduate competition with $150, $75 and $50 prizes. In the master's competition, the prizes were $200, $100 and $75).

The event provided Texans access to cutting-edge research and educational opportunities in the biomedical sciences. To a broader extent, it addressed the state and national needs for increased opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

"This was the first year that UTSA was represented at this research symposium," said Jessica Brewer, graduate student recruitment specialist. "The judges were impressed with Miranda's research and level of understanding. We hope to see more UTSA students participate next year."

The Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program is one of the TRIO programs housed in the UTSA Office of P-20 Initiatives. The program prepares selected sophomores, juniors and seniors for doctoral studies by experiencing graduate work and faculty-led research.

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